Stereophonics lose Q award to Radiohead

The Stereophonics had been nominated for four awards

Radiohead have beaten the Stereophonics to become officially the best band in the world at this year's Q Awards.

The Oxford-based band also beat off competition from the Manic Street Preachers.

But the boys from Blackwood were named best live act, following their groundbreaking series of concerts in Cuba earlier this year.

The Manics were named best live act

Radiohead, who have achieved the difficult task of breaking the US market, were voted favourites by the readers of music magazine Q.

The awards, which are well respected within the music industry, also singled out veteran singer Kate Bush for a special classic songwriter award.

The best new act award was presented to Starsailor at the awards ceremony at London's Park Lane Hotel, while a Q Merit Award was handed to singer and songwriter Elvis Costello.

Other winners included Ash for the single Burn Baby Burn and Scottish outfit Travis for the album The Invisible Band.

And the cartoon band the Gorillaz, formed by Blur singer Damon Albarn and illustrator Jamie Hewitt, were awarded best video for Clint Eastwood.

The band, who never appear on stage at their concerts, had earlier snubbed a nomination for the Mercury Music Prize.

The Stereophonics had been nominated for four awards

The old hands of the music business also picked up a number of plaudits.

Former Sex Pistol John Lydon was named most inspirational artist for the influence his work has had on today's music scene.

And Roxy Music founder Brian Eno was awarded handed the Special Award.

Although Irish stars U2 were nominated in three categories they failed to collect an award.

Instead they were honoured with the Q Editor's choice title, for their consistent success.